FORT BENNING, Ga., (Dec. 18, 2013) -- Columbus State University's English Language Institute will offer English as a second language classes on Fort Benning beginning Jan. 14. The Institute is part of the University's Continuing Education division. Classes will focus on beginner level English with new classes starting every six weeks.
"We are excited to begin working with ESL students who live (on) Fort Benning," said Cindy Cook, program coordinator of the ELI. "We love helping the students learn English and adjust to their new culture in America."
One of those students is Alexandra Forigua. She is currently enrolled in ELI classes and has made learning English a new goal. A respected and successful attorney in her home country of Colombia, Forigua begin working in Fort Benning two years ago as a WHINSEC instructor. She soon became frustrated as she struggled to comprehend English.
"It is very difficult to live in a new country when you don't know the language," she said.
Her difficulties continued when her husband and stepson, who both speak English, had conversations that left her feeling excluded and annoyed at her own lack of understanding. Determined to learn English, Forigua began night classes at CSU's English Language Institute, even though it meant studying and completing homework after teaching and working all day at WHINSEC.
"It is very important to learn English," she said. "It is the universal language."
Since then, Forigua has completed her Fort Benning contract as a WHINSEC instructor and is enrolled full time in day classes at the ELI where she hopes to complete her studies prior to returning to Colombia.
"My goal is to speak English well," she said. "It is important to understand what is being said."
It is vital to learn English if you live in the States, Forigua said.
"If you don't know English, you will be lost in your many responsibilities such as when you sign paperwork for rental agreements, cell phone contracts, or apply for a driver's license. If you don't know English, you can't ask the right questions, such as 'Where is the best restaurant?' or 'What sites do you recommend to visit?'"
Classes will be held Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 6--9 p.m. in the CSU classroom located at Fort Benning. Instructors are TESOL certified and Military Spouse Career Advancement Account funding is available for qualified students.
For more information and to enroll in the English Language Institute classes, call 706-507-8521 or email LearnEnglish@ColumbusState.edu.
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